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Observances ~ May
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad,
completed May 10, 1869. In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a monthlong celebration.

During the observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we celebrate the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages, and unique experiences represented among more than 56 ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific Islands (speaking over 100 languages) who live in the United States.

This year, the AAPI Heritage Month theme is
“
I Am Beyond."
The phrase captures the aspirations of the American spirit and how Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have always sought to excel beyond the challenges that have limited equal opportunity in America.

Tips From Former Smokers: Asian Americans - Know the Facts
Smoking increases your risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke — which already are leading causes of death for Asian Americans. About one in ten Asian American adults smokes cigarettes. However, cigarette smoking varies among the different subpopulations.

Viral Hepatitis: Asian & Pacific Islanders
Asian and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for Hepatitis B, which can lead to liver cancer. Early diagnosis of Hepatitis B and access to lifesaving medical care can help reduce these inequalities.

CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report (CHDIR)

The CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report - United States, 2013 (CHDIR) is important for encouraging action and facilitating accountability to reduce modifiable disparities by using interventions that are effective and scalable. The report also underscores the need for more consistent data on population characteristics that have often been lacking in health surveys such as disability status and sexual orientation.